Switch having a pair of manually movable actuating elements

ABSTRACT

An electric switch is provided having two manually movable actuating elements. The switch contains six contacts, with each of the manually movable elements interrelated with the contacts so the variety of functions can be performed by each of the actuating elements in their energization of a number of electric circuits which may, in turn, control and actuate a series of mechanical or hydraulic components. Such a switch can be very advantageously utilized, for example, mounted on a turn signal lever so as to provide for full operator control of a speed regulator or speed controlling arrangement mounted within the vehicle engine compartment. The two manual elements of the switch comprise a pushbutton mounted in an end of the switch body and a three-position sliding button mounted in the side of the body of the switch.

United States Patent [1 1 11 ,761,662 Charles Sept. 25, 1973 [54] SWITCH HAVING A PAIR OF MANUALLY 995,074 6/1965 Great Britain ZOO/I57 MOVABLE ACTUATING ELEMENTS [75] Inventor: James A. Charles, Greens Fork, Ind.

[73] Assignee: Dana C0rp0rati0n,Toledo, Ohio [22] Filed: May 19, 1971 [21 Appl. No.: 144,965

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 847,235, Aug. 4,

1969, abandoned.

[52] 0.8. CI. 200/153 D, 200/5 R, 200/16 B, ZOO/61.54 [51] Int. Cl.... H01h 9/00, 110111 15/06, I-IOlh 13/08 [58] Field of Search ZOO/61.54, 61.27, 200/157, 159 R, 159 A, 5 R, 5 A, 16 B, 153 D [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,485,340 10/1949 Warmey ZOO/157 X 3,431,371 3/1969 Stoi et al..'.. 220/159 A X 3,511,943 5/1970 Kibler ZOO/61.27 X 3,603,748 9/1971 Cryer ZOO/61,27X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 66,087 l/l956 France ZOO/l6 B Primary Examiner-Robert K. Schaefer Assistant Examiner-Robert A. Vanderhye Att0rney--John F. Teigland et al.

[57] ABSTRACT An electric switch is provided having two manually movable actuating elements. The switch contains six contacts, with each of the manually movable elements interrelated with the contacts so the variety of functions can be performed by each of the actuating elements in their energization of a number of electric circuits which may, in turn, control and actuate a series of mechanical or hydraulic components. Such a switch can be very advantageously utilized, for example, mounted on a turn signal lever so as to provide for full operator control ofa speed regulator or speed controlling arrangement mounted within the vehicle engine compartment. The two manual elements of the switch comprise a pushbutton mounted in an end of the switch body and a three-position sliding button mounted in the side of the body of the switch.

18 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEPZS I975 SHEET 10E 3 FIG.

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INVENTOR. 6 JAMES A. CHARLES ATTORNEY PATENTEIJ 3.761.662

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JAMES A. CHARLES manually operable element is old and well knownin the switch art. Such switches provide the advantage of being capable of actuating a number of separate electric circuits and, at the same time, placing the manual control for these circuits in one convenient location readily accessible to the operator. A number of these prior art devices have utilized two manually actuated elements which have translatory motion but none of these prior art devices have made provision within the switch body so that the manually actuated elements, in conjunction with their contacts, are interrelated as is required, for example, in a switch for a speed control system.

Other prior art devices for speed control switching are known which have utilized one manually actuated element which translates and another manually actuated element which rotates. Although switches of this type generally make provision for an interrelationship between the two manually actuated elements and their contacts, the provision of one manually actuated element whose motion is translatory and one whose motion is rotational does not provide a switch wherein the actuating elements are as easily, positively positioned in their various actuating positions as a switch having two manually actuated elements which are slidably movable so as to translate between their active, operating, alternate positions.

Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a switch having a plurality of actuating elements, with the said actuating elements movable between their actuating positions through translatory motion.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a switch having a pushbutton actuating element and a three-position sliding button mounted in the body of the switch. I i

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a switch wherein the operating elements of the switch are so related to the contacts mounted within the switch that a cooperative and coordinated effect is obtained between the operating elements and their contacts even though the operating elements are operated individually.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a switch which is easily mounted on a turn signal lever to thereby control a speed control system for the vehicle.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a switch for control of a speed control system which is easily and inexpensively manufactured and durable and sure in its operation and has its operating parts relatively inaccessible to the vehicle operator.

Other and additional objects of this invention will appear and become obvious upon a reading of the detailed description of the invention and review of the appendant drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the switch and its connections to a typical speed control system;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the switch in demounted condition, with the switch barrel removed;

FIG. 3 is an end view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the switch taken generally on line 4--4 of FIG. 3 showing te threeposition switch in its intermediate position and the two position switch in both its positions;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the switch taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2 and showing the connection of the switch to the turn signal lever indicator, with the barrel in place;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the switch taken on line 66 of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 isa view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the three-position switch in its most rightward position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar 'to FIG. 4 but showing the three-position switch in its most leftward position;

FIG. 9 is a plan view, partly in section, showing the push-button contactor and insulating collar of the switch;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the relative location of the pushbutton contactor and the leaf spring contacts with the slider switch in the on position;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the relative positions of the pushbutton contactor and the leaf spring contacts with the slider switch in the leftward or resume position;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the relative positions of the pushbutton contactor and the leaf spring contacts with the slider switch in the intermediate or on position and the push-button contactor fully depressed; and,

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the relative positions of the pushbutton contactor and the leaf spring contacts with the slider switch in the intermediate or on position and the pushbutton contactor partially depressed.

The instant invention generally discloses a switch means wherein a tubular body is provided having a spring mounted push-button switch disposed in one end and a three-position switch mounted in its side. A plug like bar feeder is disposed in the opposite end of the switch means opposite the pushbutton and extends inwardly therefrom so as to provide a power flow for electrical current to the contacts disposed within the switch means. This feeder bar is, of course, attached outwardly to a power supply source. The contacts within the switch means are formed by a series of leaf spring like elements which extend within the spring means axially and provide a series of contacts for the pushbutton and three-position button. A first leaf spring like element, Carried by the three-position button, extends generally axially between the pushbutton and the plug like feeder bar element so as to form a pair of contacts and place these two elements in a current carrying condition when the pushbutton is in either of its positions and when the three-position button is in its central position. A second leaf spring like element is disposed radially outwardly from the first leaf spring like element and also extends axially within the switch means so as to form a contact engaged by the first leaf spring like element independent of the position of the three-position button. A third leaf spring like element is also disposed radially outwardly from the first leaf spring like element, with this element moving left-. wardly with the three-position switch. This leaf like spring element provides a constant contact with a lead which extends towards the speed control system and is contacted at its other end by the pushbutton in its inward position. A fourth leaf spring like element also extends axially within the switch means radially outwardly from the third leaf spring like element and provides a contact for the pushbutton when the button is in its outer position. The pushbutton is urged outwardly by a spring means disposed within the tubular body of the switch means which this spring means bearing against a flanged portion on the stem of the button and stop slider member mounted within the tubular body. The three-position button when moved to its leftward position is also urged by the spring means (rightwardly) towards its intermediate position. Several insulating elements are provided within the tubular body so as to prevent the flow of unwanted current between the various leaf spring like elements, supporting elements and the like.

Referring now specifically to the drawings there is shown in FIG. 1, a switch means connected to a series of leads 12, 14, 16 and 18 which extend down through the steering column (not shown) of the vehicle. Lead 14 is connected to a fuse 20 which serves as an overload protection for a speed control system or unit 32, with a lead 22 extending from this fuse for connection to an ignition switch 24 of the vehicle. A lead 26 extends from this switch to a battery 28 which may be, conventionally, the vehicle battery that supplies the entire ignition system of the vehicle. Battery 28 is grounded through a lead 30. By the circuitry just described a power supply 31 is provided for the switch means 10 by the lead 14, the overload fuse 20, lead 22, ignition switch 24, lead 26 and the grounded vehicular battery 28.

The leads 12, 16 and 18, on the other hand, extend I to the speed control system 32 and provide, when properly energized, activation and control of the speed control system 32 so that the operation of the vehicle speed is automatic. Lead 12 extends inwardly within an enclosure 34 of the speed control unit 32 to make electrical connection with a contact 36 mounted on a solenoid coil 38 of a solenoid valve 40. The opposite contact 42 of solenoid coil 38 is attached to a lead 44 with the lead 44, at its opposite end, being attached to a low speed switch 46 which is provided in the speed control system 32 so as to close upon the vehicle reaching a certain limited speed (e.g., miles per hour) so that the speed control unit 32 cannot be activated below a certain vehicle speed. A lead 48 extends from low speed switch 46 to a brake switch 50 and from thence to ground through a lead 52, the brake switch 50 being in a closed current carrying condition until the brake of the vehicle is actuated by the vehicle operator. It should be clear from the circuit just described that current flow in the lead 12 causes actuation of the solenoid valve 40 urging the armature 54 of the solenoid valve 40 upwardly and opening a port 56 of a pressure supplying network 58 of the speed control system 32.

The pressure supplying network 58 also includes a conduit 60 extending, for example, to the manifold (not shown) of the vehicle so that vacuum pressure is provided at port 56, with the port 56 opening into a second conduit 62 that extends to and is connected to a third conduit 64. Conduit 64 opens at a port 66 with this port provided, for example, with atmospheric air monitored by a valve plate 68. A port 70 is provided immediately oppositethe port 56 with this port also opening to atmospheric air. Thus, when the armature 54 is in a position wherby it closes valve port 56 atmospheric air is provided to the conduit 62. A conduit 72 also merges with conduit 62 and provides a branch lead therefrom. This conduit leads to a vacuum bellows or the like (not shown) that is attached to a member such as a carburetor throttle valve (not shown) which controls engine speed. Thus, pressure provided to the servo bellows through conduit 72 is either full air pressure as provided by ports and 64 or is a vacuum pressure as provided through port 56, modulated by atmospheric air provided by valve plate 68 opening or partially closing against port 66.

Lead 18 extends inwardly within enclosure 34 of speed control unit 32 to be connected to a contact 74 carried by conductive flange 76 of solenoid valve 40. Current flows from this conductive flange to the armature 54 of solenoid valve 40 and, when this armature is in its upper position, from thence to a conductive screw 78 mounted on a solenoid frame 80 of solenoid valve 40. Current flows through this frame to a contact 82 mounted on the frame and thence to a lead 84. Lead 84, in turn, is electrically connected with contact 36 so that current is placed in solenoid coil 38 thereby activating it and maintaining solenoid valve 40 in its upper vacuum supplying position. Current in this case, of course, then flows through contact 42, lead 44, low speed switch 46, lead 48, brake switch 50 and lead 52 to ground. The circuitry just described provides a holding circuit arrangement 85 for the vacuum solenoid valve 40 once it has been actuated into its vacuum supplying position.

Lead 16 extends to enclosure 34 of speed control system 32 and is attached to a screw 86 extending outwardly of this enclosure. A contact 88, in the form of a leaf spring, is attached to this screw inwardly of the enclosure and is in current carrying condition with a lead 90 that extends to a contact 92 of a coupling coil 94. This coil, when actuated, lockingly couples valve plate 68 to it so that this valve plate moves with the coupling coil 94 as the coupling coil responds to vehicular speed read by rotating weights or the like (not shown). A contact 96, also carried by coupling coil 94, is in electrical connection with a lead 98 which extends to ground. The circuit arrangement just described provides an electrical energization of coupling coil 94 to lockingly couple valve plate 68 thereto to provide proper monitoring of air pressure as it enters through port 66 into conduit 64.

The speed control system 32 just described is substantially conventional and details of the various portions of the pressure supplying circuit and their connections to the vacuum bellows may be found in U. S. Pat. No. 3,410,361 owned by a common assignee. However, it should be noted that the speed conrol system 32, just described, has no advance function as do several embodiments in the patent while the instant device does have a resume function. The resume function is provided by the fact that as long as power is supplied to switch means 10 and switch means 10 is not manually actuated, current is provided to lead 16 so as to lock in coupling coil 94 and provide a particular monitored flow of air to port 66. This particular function of speed control system 32 will be explained in more detail as the switch means 10 is described.

The switch means 10 has its outer periphery formed by an outer barrel 100 of plastic or the like that serves as an outer housing for the working components of the switch means 10. The outer barrel 100 is shaped, in end view, (FIG. 6) somewhat as a truncated prism with slightly curved sides which smoothly merge to provide an element comfortable for grasping. 1n side view (FIG. 5) it can be seen that the outer barrel has a slight taper and thereby a streamlined design. At its rightward termination, an end 102 of outer barrel 100 is provided with a bore 104 which is centered relative to the cross section of the outer barrel 100 so as to extend axially inwardly through a portion of the outer barrel. This bore serves as a mounting means for a turn signal lever 106 having an outer diameter of substantially the same dimension as the bore 104 that may be inserted therein, with an epoxy cement or the like utilized to hold the outer barrel 100 and thereby the switch means on the outer end of the turn signal lever 106. This mounting arrangement provides a smooth, continuous and streamlined appearance to the combined turn signal lever 106 and switch means 10 and also insures that the switch means is securely held to the turn signal lever.

At its end opposite the turn signal lever 106, the outer barrel 100 of switch means 10, includes a bore 108 that extends axially inwardly relative to the outer end of barrel 100 to terminate a short distance inwardly from this end of the outer barrel 100. A bore 110 of slightly smaller diameter than the bore 108 is disposed immediately adjacent thereto and communicates therewith, with the difference in diameters of the two bores providing an annular shoulder 112 at the termination of bore 108. Bore 111), at its end remote from the shoulder 112, merges into and communicates through a shoulder 112A with a bore 1 13 which also extends axially centered relative to the outer barrel 101) and includes at its termination remote from bore 110 a necked down portion 1 14 of generally truncated spherical shape that forms the rightward end of this bore. A bore 116 of smaller diameter than the bore 113 but of the same diameter as the end of the necked down portion 114 is in communication with this portion and the bore 104 so as to join these two bores so that the barrel 110 has a cavity extending axially and centrally throughout its length. The bore 113 and necked down portion 114, the bore 116 and a bore 119 disposed centrally in turn signal lever 106 provide an easy passage and housing means for the wire leads (leads 12, 14, 16 and 18) which pass upwardly through the turn signal lever 106 from the speed control system 32. It should also be pointed out that the bore 116 is conveniently of slightly smaller diameter than the bore 104 so that an annular shoulder 118 is formed in outer barrel 100 at the termination of bore 104 to limit inner movement of the turn signal lever 106 and thereby positively position it for cementing attachment to the outer barrel 100. The interior cavity shape of outer barrel 100 is completed by slot 120, rectangular in cross section and communicating from the bore 110 and extending from the shoulder 112 and terminating at a point spaced rightwardly from this shoulder. The termination of this slot provides an abutting surface 122 so that this surface and shoulder 112 positively space portions of the internal elements of the switch 10.

An insertable subassembly 123 which comprises both the operating parts of the switch means 10 and its inner housing 124 can best be seen in FIGS. 2 to 4. This insertable subassembly is provided to decrease the manu-.

facturing costs of the switch means 10 by providing a convenient package for final assembly and to provide a switch means, the operating parts of which are not easily accessible to the vehicle operator. The insertable subassembly 123 comprises, generally, an inner housing 124 that has split upper and lower housing halves 126 and 128, a metallic pushbutton contactor 130 having two positions, an insulating washer 131, a spring means 132 for resiliently opposing the pushbutton contactor 130, a slider switch 182 having three separate positions, a metallic feeder bar element 136 which conducts the supply of electricity into the switch means 10, a series of five metallic leaf spring like conducting elements 138, 104, 142, 144 and 146 disposed within the switch means 10 and a number of fastening and guiding elements which maintain all the previously mentioned elements in an assembled relationship.

The half cylindrically shaped upper and lower housing halves 126, 128 of inner housing 124 are formed of an insulating material and maintained in their assembled relationship by a pair of compression rings 148, 148 which engage and encompass the inner housing 124 adjacent its ends, around a pair of reduced diametrical portions 150A, 150 of the inner housing. Each of the compression rings 148, 148 is circumferential in shape and split in form to include at its opposite ends a tab 152 and a notched portion 154 so that each compression ring, upon being placed in compressing engagement around its respective reduced diametrical portion 150 or 150A, has its tab 152 extend into its notch 154 to engage so that the ends of the compression ring 148 will remain diametrically aligned and the compression ring 148 will not tend to move axially outwardly off the inner housing 124. A shoulder 156 formed at the inward termination of each of the reduced diametrical portions 150 provides an abutting means to positive axially locate compression ring 148 in its assembly to the inner housing 124. The inner housing assembly 124 is thereby held in an assembled relationship by the compression rings 148 so that it may be inserted as a package into the outer barrel 100 with an integral tang 127 of upper housing half 126 being inserted in slot 120 to prevent rotation of inner housing 124 within the outer barrel.

The upper and lower housing halves 126, 128 of the inner housing 124, in their assembled condition, pro vide a series of intercommunicating bores 158, 160, 161, 162, 164 and 166 that extend axially through the housing 124 so that the inner housing 124 is provided with a cavity throughout its length. The bore 158 slightly receives a cylindrical shaped stem portion 168 of pushbutton contactor 130, with the bore 158 sized so as to permit easy movement of the stem portion 168 within it. Immediately adjacent to the bore 158 and disposed within bore is a circular flange 170 of pushbutton contactor 130, this flange being integrally joined to the stem portion 168. Because of disparity in sizes between bores 158 and 160 the leftward termination of bore 160 provides a capping means or end 172 for the inner housing 124 and also an abutment means to limit leftward movement of flange 170 and thereby pushbutton contactor 130. The spring means 132 comprises a coil compression spring or the like and is also disposed within the bore 160. This spring means urges pushbutton contactor 130 leftwardly and outwardly by imposing its resilient force on the insulating washer 131 to place flange 170 of the pushbutton contact into abutting contact with end 172. The pushbutton contactor 130 is thereby resiliently biased to one extreme limit of its travel.

The opposite end of spring means 132 extends into the bore 161 of slightly larger diameter than the bore 160 to engage a slider stop 176 also disposed in bore 161. This slider stop is generally circular in shape to provide a washer like element which is movable upon the leftward compression of spring means 132 and, at

its rightward extreme of travel, abuts against a shoulder 178 formed by the terminations of bore 161, this position of slider stop 176 being assumed under the urging of spring means 174. Stop slider 176 may, of course, upon the aforementioned leftward compression of spring means 174 move leftwardly within bore 161 as far as a shoulder 180 formed by the termination of bore 161.

Immediately to the rightward of slider stop 176 and disposed in bore 162 is a slider switch 182 also made of an insulating material and shown in its normal on, intermediate position (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). It is movable leftwardly (as will be explained later) against the urging of spring means 132- by abutting against slider stop 176 and moving the slider stop with it. The limit of leftward I movement of slider switch 182 is, of course, determined by the abutment of slider stop 176 with shoulder 180. Rightward movement of slider switch 182 is limited by a surface 184 formed by the rightward termination of a slot 186 formed in the upper half 126 of inner housing 124. This slot is generally rectangular in cross section and extends parallel to the axis of the inner housing 124 longitudinally for a sufficient distance fromshoulder 184 so as to guide and permit the aforementioned leftward sliding movement of slider switch 182.

Slider switch 182 includes a bore 188 that extends axially and centrally of the cavity formed in the inner housing 124 through the slider switchs entire length for the reception of a stem portion 190 of feeder bar 136. This stem portion is circular in cross section so as to slide easily in bore 188 and has a greatly reduced diameter from that of an integral intermediate cylindrical portion 1940f feeder bar 136 to thereby form an annular shoulder 192 at its termination. Annular shoulder 192 also limits righward movement of slider switch 182. Intermediate portion 194 of feeder bar 136 merges smoothly into a flanged portion 196 by means of a taper 198 while immediately to the right of and integral with flange portion 196' is a second stem portion 200, with this stem portion completing the shaped form of the feeder bar 136. The second stem portion 200 extends through a bore 202 formed in an inner housing plug 204 of insulating material and is fixed relative to it as will be explained later.

The inner housing plug 204 forms the rightward end or cap means for the inner housing 124 and is generally cylindrical in shape to conform closely to bore 166 but includes a tab portion 206, rectangular in end view, that extends outwardly from the periphery of the cylindrical shape. A notched portion 208 near the leftward terminus of the inner housing plug forms a V shape that extends circumferentially around the cylindrical periphery of the inner housing plug 204 but terminates short of the tab portion 206 while a radially extending flange portion 210 is formed near the rightward termination of the inner housing plug. The tab portion 206 is inserted in a longitudinally extending groove 212 in lower housing half 128 of inner housing 124 so as to prevent relative rotation between inner housing plug 204 and inner housing 124. The flange portion 210 also extends into a groove, this groove being the groove 214 formed in inner housing 124 and extending circumferentially around the inner periphery of inner housing 124 proximate the bore 166. The engagement of flange portion 210 in groove 214 thereby limits axial movement ofinner housing plug 204. It can be seen from the preceding description that the inner housing plug 204 is securely held in assembled relationship within the inner housing 124, once inserted therein, by the fastening of the compression rings 148, 148 around the inner housing upper and lower halves 126, 128.

The electrical connections within the inner housing 124 will now be described. A terminal 216 is fixedly attached to the outer (rightward) end of the second stem portion 200 of feeder bar 192 by a soldered rivet 218 or the like to provide a positive connection for the lead 14 of power supply circuit 31 so that electrical power is always available in feeder bar 192 unless power supply circuit 31 is interrupted. The terminal 216, in its fixed position, abuts against a back face 217 of inner housing plug 204 so that it and flange portion 196 maintains the feeder bar 192 fixed with respect to the remainder of the switch means 10.

Three other attaching terminals 220, 222 and 224 are provided near the rightward ends of leaf spring like elements 138, and 146, respectively, with each of the leaf spring like elements extending outwardly of the inner housing 124 for this purpose. The leaf spring like element 146 extends outwardly of the inner housing 124 through the longitudinally extending groove 212 formed in lower housing half 128, radially outwardly of tab portion 206. The leaf spring like elements 138 and 140 are disposed diametrically opposite to each other and extend outwardly of inner housing 124 through a pair of oppositely disposed slots 225, 225 formed in and extending through that portion of inner housing 124 generally bounded by bores 164 and 166 and circumferential groove 214, while inwardly of the slots 225, 225 the leaf spring like elements 138 and 140 are disposed in grooves 227, 227 which open into bore 164. The leaf spring like elements, 138, 140 and 146 may, thus, be easily connected to the leads 12, 18 and 16, respectively, to serve as actuating elements for the speed control system 32.

Within the inner housing 124, leaf spring like elements 138 and 140 are prevented from axial sliding movement by any conventional attachment to inner housing 124 such as being glued in their respective grooves 227, 227 or, alternately, provided with transversely extending tabs which fit in portions of the grooves shaped to receive them (not shown). On the other hand, leaf spring like elements 142, 144 and 146 are maintained within the inner housing by individual fastening means, the characteristics of which will become more apparent as the description proceeds.

Leaf spring element 142 is mounted on slider switch 182 so as to move therewith to the three positions that slider switch 182 assumes. More specifically, slider switch 182 includes a longitudinally extending groove 226, extending the length of slider switch 182, that is rectangular in cross section and centrally located relative to the transverse extent of the slider switch but which is disposed above the longitudinal axis of the slider switch. Slightly to the leftward of the vertical centerline of the slider switch 182, an integral tab 228 extends radially outwardly from the bottom of the groove 226 and terminates intermediate the height of the groove. The leaf spring like element 142 has two opposed prong like elements 230, 230 struck out from its body and extending generally downwards (FIG. 4) from its major linear extent so as to engage against opposite end faces 229, 229 of the tab 228 to maintain the leaf spring like element 142 fixed with respect to slider switch 182. A slot 231 in slider stop 176 is aligned with the major linear extent of leaf spring like element 142 to permit a portion of it to extend into the bore 160.

Leaf spring like element 144 is also disposed so as to move with slider switch 182, but its movement with the slider switch is only from the FIG. 4 position of slider switch 182 to the leftward most position of this switch (FIG. 8) and then back with the slider switch to the FIG. 4 position. To provide for this movement the leaf spring like element 144 is provided linearly with an arcuate portion 232 bent substantially the shape of a semicircle and'a bent tang portion 234 extending obtusely to the linear extent of leaf spring like element 144 and forming its leftward termination. The bent tang portion 234 of leaf spring like element 144 is disposed leftwardly of slider stop 176 by insertion of the leaf spring like element 144 through a thin rectangular slot 236 in stop slider 176 so as to place the arcuate portion 232 of leaf spring like element 144 immediately to the rightward of the slider stop. Since the slider stop 176 is resiliently urged against the slider switch 182 (by spring means 174), as the slider switch moves between its central FIG. 4 position and its leftward position, and back to its central position leaf spring like element 144, by the abutment of its arcuate portion 232 or bent tang portion 234 with the slider stop 176, moves with the slider switch 182.

Leaf spring like element 146 is fixedly disposed within inner housing 124 against movement in an axial direction by the provision of a hook means 238 at its leftward termination. The hook means 238 is formed by a substantially right angled portion 240 formed by radially outwardly bending a portion of the body of the leaf spring like element 146 with this angled portion smoothy merging into anotherangular portion 242, extending inwardly obtusely towards the pushbutton contactor 130. To provide for an engaging means for hook means 238, the lower housing half 128 near its leftward end, includes in its periphery a pair of slots 244 and 246 of rectangular cross section that extends parallel to the axis ofthe inner housing. The slot 244 is relatively short in the axial direction, while the slot 246 is considerably longer and extends to and terminates just short of the leftward end of inner housing 124. A rib 248, integral with the main body portion of lower half 128 of inner housing 124, extends between and separates the slots 244, 246 and provides the means with which hook means 238 engages. Such engagement places the major extent of angled portion 240 within slot 244 and angular portion 242 within slot 246, with the extreme leftward end of angular portion 242 extending into a stepped portion 247 of slot 246. The remainder of leaf spring like element 146 extends along a slot 149 of rectangular cross section extending linearly along a portion of the periphery of bore 161 and along the perihery of the bores 162 and 164 and through the notched portion 208.

The aforementioned leaf spring like elements form a series of six contacts within the inner housing 124 for the actuation of speed control system 32. More specifically, the leaf spring like element 140 includes a generally radially inwardly disposed V" portion 250 formed by a notched portion in its leftward end which is in abutment with the leaf spring like element 142 intermediate its ends. This V portion thereby serves as a current carrying contact between these two leaf spring like elements in all positions of slider switch 182. The leaf spring like element 142, in turn, includes V portions 252 and 254 at its leftward and rightward terminations. The V portion 252 engages and abuts against the periphery of a second stem portion 256 of pushbutton contactor to form an electrical connection therebetween (when slider switch 182 is in its central or leftward position) while the V portion 254 contacts the periphery of the intermediate portion 194 of feeder bar 136 to form an electrica connection therebetween (same positions of the slider switch 182). In the rightward position of slider switch 182, V portion 252 is disposed rightwardly of the second stem portion 256 so that there is not abutting contact therebetween and the V portion 254 has moved over taper 198 and flange 196 offeeder bar 132 to engage in notched portion 208 of inner housing plug 204 so that no electrical connection is formed by either of these contacts in this position of slider switch 182.

The leaf spring like element 144 has a V portion 258 formed at its rightward end which provides a contact between leaf spring like element 144 and leaf spring like element 138. This electrical connection is maintained between these two leaf spring like elements independent on the position of slider switch 182 since V portion 258 always abuttingly contacts leaf spring like element 138, merely translating its length, as slider switch 182 moves between its three positions. The opposite end of leaf spring like element 144, through its bent tang portion 234, also forms a contact 259 with a taper termination 260 of second stem portion 256 of pushbutton contactor 130 by abuttingly contacting this portion of pushbutton contactor 130 when the slider switch 182 is in its extreme leftward position (dotted line position FIG. I) and also when the pushbutton contactor 1130 has been manually moved to its inner rightward position.

The leaf like spring element 146 also includes a contact 262 formed at the abutment of its angular portion 252 with the flange of pushbutton contactor 130. This abutment occurs only when the pushbutton contact 130 is in its outer illustrated position (FIG. 5).

As previously set out, the inner housing 124 and the parts it encompasses are separately assembled into subassembly 123 and inserted into the outer barrel 100. A retainer element 264 of conventional character having a plurality of bent tangs 266 maintains the subassembly 123 within the barrel, the bent tangs 266 resiliently abutting portions of the bore 108 for this purpose. The assembly of the switch means 10 is completed by the mounting of a button element 268 on the outward extending stem portion 168 of pushbutton contactor 130. A blind bore 270 is conveniently provided in button elernent 268 for this purpose, with a series of serrations 272 on stem portion 168 positively joining these elements under the pressure of a press fit.

A slider switch button 274 is also provided for actuation of slider switch 182 with this button including a stem 275 of rectangular cross section having a pair of tabs 276, 276, also of rectangular cross section, which mount on opposite sides of a rectangular projection 278 integral with the main body of slider switch 182.

1 1 The stem 275 of the slider switch button extends through the outer barrel 100 by means of a longitudinally extending slot 280 disposed generally parallel to the axis of the outer barrel. To insure ease in manipula-.

tion, a grasping portion 282 of the slider switch button 274 includes a landed portion 284 that terminates inward at a right angle with stem 275 to space it slightly above a face 285 of a sliding groove 286 formed in outer barrel 100. The slider switch button 274 is also provided with a positive fastening means such as screw 288 which screwingly attaches the slider switch button 274 to the slider switch 182. The screw is countersunk into the slider switch button 274 and capped over with a glued plastic plug 290 or the like to render its removal difficult if not impossible. It shoulder be clear that the provision of the subassembly 123 and the method of its incorporation into the outer barrel 100 renders an assemblage which cannot be easily tampered with since entries to the working parts of the switch l are prevented by the manner of mounting button 268 and slider switch button 274.

The operation of the speed swich in its energization and control of the speed control system 32 can now be easily understood. Once the vehicle has reached a speed of over 25 miles per hour and a desired vehicle speed has been reached through operator actuation of the vehicle throttle or the like, the speed control system may be set in a speed maintaining mode in the following manner. With the slider switch 182 in its intermediate on position, current flows into the switch means 10 through lead 14, to terminal 216 and from thence into the feeder bar 136 to contact 254 formed by the rightward V portion of leaf spring like element 142. Current flows through this leaf spring like element to the contact formed by V" portion 254 and from thence into the second stem portion 256 of pushbutton contactor 130. The pushbutton contactor 130 is actuated inwardly against the force of spring means 132. This inward movement of pushbutton contactor 130 places its inner termination 260 against contact 259 of leaf spring like element 144. Current flows from the second stem portion to the contact 259 and from it through the contact formed by V portion 258 to left spring like element 138 and from thence to lead 12 of speed control system 32. This actuates the vacuum supplying solenoid 40 into its vacuum supplying position. Movement of the pushbutton contactor 130 to the inward position, of course, breaks electrical contact between it and the contact 262 formed by the abutment of leaf spring like element 156 so that no electrical energy flows to lead 16 and the coupling coil 94 is uncoupled and full vacuum is momentarily provided for actuation of the carburetor throttle or the like. As soon as manual pressure is removed from the button element 268, pushbutton contactor 130 returns to its outward position breaking connection with contact 259 and removing the electrical flow to lead 12. At the same time, pushbutton contactor 130 contacts, through contact 262, the leaf spring like element 146. Current is still provided to the pushbutton contactor 130 through the V portion 252 of leaf spring like element 142 so that the coupling coil 94 is energized to set in the desired speed. The holding circuit arrangement 85 for vacuum solenoid 40 is also electrically energized in this time since the armature 54 is in its upper vacuum supplying position by the passage of current via V" portion 250 through leaf spring like element 140 connected to lead 18, current being supplied to this leaf spring like elment by the engagement of the V- shaped portion 250 with leaf spring like element 142.

Speed advance may also be obtained through the actuation of button element 268 by holding this button element in for an extended time until a particular vehicle speed has been reached. Speed advance occurs because prolonged actuation of pushbutton element 268 places pushbutton contactor in its inner position and as previously mentioned, breaks current flow to coupling coil 94 and places full vacuum on the actuating bellows to advance the speed of the vehicle. Once a new desired speed has been reached pushbutton contactor 130 is permitted to again assume its outer position.

The three-position slider switch 182, in its most extreme rightward position, removes and interrupts current flow within the switch means 10. More specifically, as slider switch 182 moves to its rightward position the V portion 254 of the leaf spring like element 142 enters notched portion 208 of inner housing plug 204 so that no electrical connection is had between this leaf spring like element and bar feeder element 136. Thus a means is provided within the switch 10 to place the switch means and thereby the speed control system 32 in an inactive condition. Of course, in the normal, centered position of the slider switch 182 the speed switch means 10 is on, that is, it is active and the aforementioned movement of the pushbutton contactor 130 through its button element 268 provides speed advance and speed set in.

In order for the switch means 10 to activate the resume function of speed control system 32, the slider switch 182 must be moved to its extreme leftward position. In this location, current is still provided from the feeder bar element 136 to the pushbutton contactor 130 and current flows therefrom to contact 259 of leaf spring like element 144 since this leaf spring like element has moved leftwardly with the slider switch 182. The energization of leaf spring like element 144 again energizes vacuum solenoid 40 placing vacuum on the solenoid bellows. Since the energization of vacuum solenoid 40, in this case, did not necessitate the break of the flow of current through leaf spring like element 146 to coupling coil 194 via lead 16, the supply of vacuum to the bellows operating will function to place the vehicle again at'the previously set in speed as provided by the location of valve plate 68 as monitored by the coupling coil 194. Thus, resume speed may be obtained if a set speed has previously been provided and the brakes of the vehicle are actuated to slow the vehicle down for some momentary obstruction on the highway. it should be noted that for safety in operation, both pushbutton contactor 130 and slider switch 182 are resiliently urged to essentially a neutral position, that is, spring means 132 places these two switching elements at a location in switch means 10 where the vacuum solenoid 40 is not electrically actuated to provide a source of vacuum to energize the operating bellows.

A further embodiment of this switch comprises placing an insulating collar 300, formed of a conventional insulating material such as an acetol resin, on the stem portion 256 of the pushbutton contactor 130, converting the bent tang portion 234 of the leaf spring 144 to a sliding hook contact 302, and by reducing the lineal movement of the slider switch 182 to the left (i.e., the resume position) by an amount equal to the axial length of the insulated collar 300. Limitation of the lineal movement of the slider switch 182 is accomplished by reducing the length of the longitudinally extending slot 280 of the outerbarrel 100 or by reducing the length of the slot 180 of the upper half 121 of the inner housing 124, i.e., moving the shoulder 184 to the right.

As may be seen from FIG. 9, the insulating collar 300 has an annular flange portion 304 which abuts the flange 170 and a tapered collar portion 306 which feathers to a sharp edge at its outer free end. The modified leaf spring identified as 144' is formed with a hook 302 which is adapted to slidingly engage the stem portion 256. The leaf spring 142 and the leaf spring 146 are the same as in the first described embodiment.

In FIG. the relative positions of the contacts and pushbutton contactor with the slider switch 182 in the on position and the pushbutton contactor inits normal position, i.e., not depressed. FIG. 11 illustrates the positions of the contacts relative to the contactor button when the slider switch is moved to the leftward or resume position. As may be noted, current is fed from contact 142 to contact 144' and also contact 146.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the slider switch 182 is in its normal on position and the pushbutton contactor 130 fully depressed, the contact 142 rides up on the tapered insulating collar thereby insulating it from the stern portion and thereby breaking electrical contact between the battery and the speed control system with the exception of element 140. In this particular embodiment, lead 18 is detached from element 140 and connected to element 146. A lead (not shown) from an "on-off signal light is connected to element 140. All circuits are thus uncoupled when the pushbutton actuator is fully depressed. Uncoupling the speed control system results in the speed of the automobile being reduced or retarded by virtue of the fact that the spring loaded throttle linkage returning to the engine idle position.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the retard position exists so long as the pushbutton contactor 130 is fully depressed. As it is released it passes through an intermeidate position shown in FIG. 13 during which electrical contact is made between contactor 142 and contact 144 resulting in the solenoid circuit being actuated. When the pushbutton contactor is fully released parts assume the relative positions shown and described in FIG. 10. Y

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it is apparent that various structural modifications can be made to the various elements without altering their structural relationships or functional purposes.

What is claimed is:

1. A switch means comprising; (a) an outer housing member, (b) an inner housing includes; inserted in said outer housing member and comprising a pair of split mating halves, (c) a first movable actuating element mounted in the end of said inner housing and disposed so as to move linearly relative to its own length, (d) a second movable actuating element mounted in said inner housing inwardly of said first movable actuating element, (e) resilient spring means disposed between said first and second movable actuating elements for urging said movable actuating elements away from each other, (f) a power supplying feeder bar means disposed in the opposite end of said inner housing, (g) a first leaf element carried by said second movable actuating means having first and second contacts at its opposite ends, (h) said first contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (i) said second contact contactable with said power feeder bar means, (j) a second leaf element disposed in said inner housing and at least partially movable with said second movable actuating element and having third and fourth contacts disposed at its opposite ends, (k) said third contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (1) said fourth contact contacting a third leaf element extending outwardly of said housing, (m) a fourth leaf element extending inwardly and outward of said inner housing and contacting said first leaf element, (n) a fifth leaf element extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing and contactable by said first movable actuating element, (0) said third, fourth and fifth leaf elements provided with terminals for connection to electrical leads and, (p) a terminal attached to said power feeder bar means disposed outwardly of said inner housing for connection to an electrical lead.

2. The combination set out in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said contacts are provided by V portions formed integrally with some of said leaf elements.

3. The combination set out in claim 2 wherein said power feeder bar means includes; (a) a stem portion, (b) said second movable actuating element includes a bore, (c) said stem portion is received in said bore for guiding said second movable actuating element in its movement.

4. The combination set out in claim 3 wherein a slider stop means is disposed between said second movable actuatingelement and said spring means for limiting the expansive movement of said spring means.

5. The combination set out in claim 4 wherein said slider stop means comprises; (a) a washer like element, (b) a pair of shoulder means formed in said inner housing, (c) the abutment of said washer means and one of said shoulder means providing the limit of travel of said second movable actuating element in one direction.

6. The combination set out in claim 5 wherein said power feeder bar means includes: (a) an intermediate enlarged portion, (b) said second movable actuating element abuts said intermediate enlarged portion at the other limit of its travel.

7. The combination set out in claim 6 wherein abutment of the other shoulder means and said washer like element defines an intermediate position of said second movable actuating element.

8. The combination set out in claim 7 wherein; (a) an end plug means is provided for the inner housing at its end opposite to the first movable actuating element and, (b) said end plug means includes a bore for the passage of at least a portion of said power feeder bar means.

9. The combination set out in claim 8 wherein the inner housing includes; (a) reduced diameter portions at its ends and, (b) compression ring means are disposed around these reduced diameter portions for positively holding the inner housing in assembled relation.

10. The combination set out in claim 9 wherein; (a) a button means is disposed in said outer housing for urging said first movable actuating element, (b) a second button is disposed in the side of said outer housing for urging said second movable actuating element, (c) said first button being attached to said first movable actuating element by a serration means and, ((1) said second button being attached to said second movable element by a countersunk fastening means and a plug means disposed over said countersunk fastening means.

1 1. The combination set out in claim wherein said outer housing is attached to a turn signal lever and said series of leads attached to said third, fourth and fifth leaf spring elements and said terminal extends through said turn signal lever.

12. The combination set out in claim 1 1 wherein said end plug means includes; (a) an integral circuit flange, (b) a radially extending tab means and, (c) said circular flange and radially extending tab means are received in complementary shaped cavities in said inner housing.

13. The combination set out in claim 12 wherein said inner housing includes; (a) an axially extending tab means and, (b) said tab means extends into a slot means in said outer housing to prevent said inner housing from rotating relative to said outer housing.

14. A switch means comprising; (a) a housing means, (b) a first movable actuating element mounted in the end of said housing means and disposed so as to move linearly relative to its own length, (c) a second movable actuating element mounted in said housing means inwardly of said first movable actuating element, ((1) resilient means disposed between said first and second movable actuating elements for urging said movable actuating elements away from each other, (e) a power supply means disposed in said housing, (f) a first element carried by said second movable actuating means having first and second contacts at its opposite ends, (g) said first contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (h) said second contact contactable with said power supply means, (i) a second element disposed in said housing and at least partially movable with said second movable actuating element and having third and fourth contacts disposed at its opposite ends, (j) said third contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (k) said fourth contact contacting a first current carrying means extending outwardly of said housing means, (l) a second current carrying means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing means and having a fifth contact contacting said first element and (m) a third current carrying means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing and having a sixth contact electrically contactable by said first movable actuating element.

15. A switch means comprising; (a) a housing means, (b) a first movable actuating element mounted in said housing means, (0) a second movable actuating ele-- (g) first and second contact carried by said second movable actuating means, (h) said first contact contactable with'said first movable actuating element, (i) said second contact contactable with said power supply means, (j) third and fourth contacts movable with said second movable actuating element, (k) said third contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (1) said fourth contact contacting a first circuit means extending outwardly of said housing, (m) a second current carrying means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing means and having a fifth contact electrically connected to said first and second contacts and, (n) a third circuit means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing and having a sixth contact electrically contactable by said first movable actuating element.

16. A switch comprising; (a) a housing, (b) a depressible pushbutton actuator mounted in one end of said housing for axial movement relative thereto, (c) resilient means for resiliently resisting movement of said pushbutton actuator into said housing, said resilient means including a slidable stop mounted within said housing, ((1) a power supply means disposed within said housing, (e) a slide switch actuator mounted in said housing intermediate the ends thereof, (f) a first element carried by said slide switch actuator and having first and second contacts at its opposite ends, said slide switch being adapted to move said second contact into and out of electrical engagement with said power supply means, and said first contact into and out of engagement with said pushbutton actuator, (g) a second element disposed in said housing and carried by said slidable stop, said slide switch actuator being adapted to move said slidable stop against said resilient means to carry said second element into electrical contact with said pushbutton actuator, (h) a first current carrying means electrically connecting with said first element and extending outwardly of said housing, (i) a second current carrying means electrically connecting with said second element and extending outwardly of said housing, and (j) a third current carrying means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing and having an electrical contact contactable by said pushbutton actuator.

17. The switch of claim 16, plus means for electrically isolating said pushbutton actuator from said first element when said pushbutton actuator is fully despressed.

18. The switch of claim 16, plus means for electrically isolating said pushbutton actuator from said first element when said pushbutton actuator is fully depressed and means for limiting the slide switch may move saidslidable stop to less than the distance said pushbutton actuator may be depressed. 

1. A switch means comprising; (a) an outer housing member, (b) an inner housing includes; inserted in said outer housing member and comprising a pair of split mating halves, (c) a first movable actuating element mounted in the end of said inner housing and disposed so as to move linearly relative to its own length, (d) a second movable actuating element mounted in said inner housing inwardly of said first movable actuating element, (e) resilient spring means disposed between said first and second movable actuating elements for urging said movable actuating elements away from each other, (f) a power supplying feeder bar means disposed in the opposite end of said inner housing, (g) a first leaf element carried by said second movable actuating means having first and second contacts at its opposite ends, (h) said first contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (i) said second contact contactable with said power feeder bar means, (j) a second leaf element disposed in said inner housing and at least partially movable with said second movable actuating element and having third and fourth contacts disposed at its opposite ends, (k) said third contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (l) said fourth contact contacting a third leaf element extending outwardly of said housing, (m) a fourth leaf element extending inwardly and outward of said inner housing and contacting said first leaf element, (n) a fifth leaf element extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing and contactable by said first movable actuating element, (o) said third, fourth and fifth leaf elements provided with terminals for connection to electrical leads and, (p) a terminal attached to said power feeder bar means disposed outwardly of said inner housing for connection to an electrical lead.
 2. The combination set out in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said contacts are provided by ''''V'''' portions formed integrally with some of said leaf elements.
 3. The combination set out in claim 2 wherein said power feeder bar means includes; (a) a stem portion, (b) said second movable actuating element includes a bore, (c) said stem portion is received in said bore for guiding said second movable actuating element in its movement.
 4. The combination set out in claim 3 wherein a slider stop means is disposed between said second movable actuating element and said spring means for limiting the expansive movement of said spring means.
 5. The combination set out in claim 4 wherein said slider stop means comprises; (a) a washer like element, (b) a pair of shoulder means formed in said inner housing, (c) the abutment of said washer means and one of said shoulder means providing the limit of travel of said second movable actuating element in one direction.
 6. The combination set out in claim 5 wherein said power feeder bar means includes: (a) an intermediate enlarged portion, (b) said second movable actuating element abuts said intermediate enlarged portion at the other limit of its travel.
 7. The combination set out in claim 6 wherein abutment of the other shoulder means and said washer like element defines an intermediate position of said second movable actuating element.
 8. The combination set out in claim 7 wherein; (a) an end plug means is provided for the inner housing at its end opposite to the first movable actuating element and, (b) said end plug means includes a bore for the passage of at least a portion of said power feeder bar means.
 9. The combination set out in claim 8 wherein the inner housing includes; (a) reduced diameter portions at its ends and, (b) compression ring means are disposed around these reduced diameter portions for positively holding the inner housing in assembled relation.
 10. The combination set out in claim 9 wherein; (a) a button means is disposed in said outer housing for urging said first movable actuating element, (b) a second button is disposed in the side of said outer housing for urging said second movable actuating element, (c) said first button being attached to said first movable actuating element by a serration means and, (d) said second button being attached to said second movable element by a countersunk fastening means and a plug means disposed over said countersunk fastening means.
 11. The combination set out in claim 10 wherein said outer housing is attached to a turn signal lever and said series of leads attached to said third, fourth and fifth leaf spring elements and said terminal extends through said turn signal lever.
 12. The combination set out in claim 11 wherein said end plug means includes; (a) an integral circuit flange, (b) a radially extending tab means and, (c) said circular flange and radially extending tab means are received in complementary shaped cavities in said inner housing.
 13. The combination set out in claim 12 wherein said inner housing includes; (a) an axially extending tab means and, (b) said tab means extends into a slot means in said outer housing to prevent said inner housing from rotating relative to said outer housing.
 14. A switch means comprising; (a) a housing means, (b) a first movable actuating element mounted in the end of said housing means and disposed so as to move linearly relative to its own length, (c) a second movable actuating element mounted in said housing means inwardly of said first movable actuating element, (d) resilient means disposed between said first and second movable actuating elements for urging said movable actuating elements away from each other, (e) a power supply means disposed in said housing, (f) a first element carried by said second movable actuating means having first and second contacts at itS opposite ends, (g) said first contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (h) said second contact contactable with said power supply means, (i) a second element disposed in said housing and at least partially movable with said second movable actuating element and having third and fourth contacts disposed at its opposite ends, (j) said third contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (k) said fourth contact contacting a first current carrying means extending outwardly of said housing means, (l) a second current carrying means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing means and having a fifth contact contacting said first element and (m) a third current carrying means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing and having a sixth contact electrically contactable by said first movable actuating element.
 15. A switch means comprising; (a) a housing means, (b) a first movable actuating element mounted in said housing means, (c) a second movable actuating element mounted in said housing means inwardly of said first movable actuating element, (d) said first and second movable actuating elements movable axially relative to said housing means, (e) resilient means disposed between said first and second movable actuating elements for resiliently biasing said movable actuating elements away from each other, (f) a power supply means, (g) first and second contact carried by said second movable actuating means, (h) said first contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (i) said second contact contactable with said power supply means, (j) third and fourth contacts movable with said second movable actuating element, (k) said third contact contactable with said first movable actuating element, (l) said fourth contact contacting a first circuit means extending outwardly of said housing, (m) a second current carrying means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing means and having a fifth contact electrically connected to said first and second contacts and, (n) a third circuit means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing and having a sixth contact electrically contactable by said first movable actuating element.
 16. A switch comprising; (a) a housing, (b) a depressible pushbutton actuator mounted in one end of said housing for axial movement relative thereto, (c) resilient means for resiliently resisting movement of said pushbutton actuator into said housing, said resilient means including a slidable stop mounted within said housing, (d) a power supply means disposed within said housing, (e) a slide switch actuator mounted in said housing intermediate the ends thereof, (f) a first element carried by said slide switch actuator and having first and second contacts at its opposite ends, said slide switch being adapted to move said second contact into and out of electrical engagement with said power supply means, and said first contact into and out of engagement with said pushbutton actuator, (g) a second element disposed in said housing and carried by said slidable stop, said slide switch actuator being adapted to move said slidable stop against said resilient means to carry said second element into electrical contact with said pushbutton actuator, (h) a first current carrying means electrically connecting with said first element and extending outwardly of said housing, (i) a second current carrying means electrically connecting with said second element and extending outwardly of said housing, and (j) a third current carrying means extending inwardly and outwardly of said housing and having an electrical contact contactable by said push-button actuator.
 17. The switch of claim 16, plus means for electrically isolating said pushbutton actuator from said first element when said pushbutton actuator is fully despressed.
 18. The switch of claim 16, plus means for electrically isolating said pushbutton actuator from said first element when said pushbutton actuator is fully depressed and means for limiting the sLide switch may move said slidable stop to less than the distance said pushbutton actuator may be depressed. 